EHCP Survey Report
Download (PDF 2.15 MB)Summary of report content
Healthwatch Worcestershire wanted to identify the key challenges faced by the Worcestershire Local Area Partnership in delivering Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) services to children and young people. In April 2024, the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted) and the Care Quality Commission (CQC) conducted an inspection of the Worcestershire Local Area Partnership's SEND services and found significant and widespread failings in care. Healthwatch conducted a survey to assess various aspects of the SEND process. They heard from 564 people. T
Key findings
Delays in the EHCP process: The Partnership is not meeting statutory timelines, with delays in health assessments and reports, which in turn delay support provision.
Capacity issues in health services: There is limited capacity to provide therapies outlined in Section F of the EHCP, impacting the delivery of necessary support.
Poor quality of EHCPs and annual reviews: Many EHCPs lack specificity, adequate planning, and effective reviews.
Communication breakdowns: Parents and carers report poor communication with caseworkers, delays in responses, and a lack of clarity, leading to frustration and lack of trust in the system.
The report sets out 7 recommendations on digital access, engaging with children, enhancing social care support, communication, access to specialist education and delays in assessments